Collection of semen

In order to obtain sperm of optimal quality it is important that you follow these instructions carefully.

Do not have any sexual activity (ejaculation) for at least two days but not more than five days before obtaining the semen sample.
We will give you a sterile, nontoxic plastic jar for the semen specimen. Other containers are not acceptable.
The sample should be obtained in the office. A private collection room is available.
If you have a problem with sample collection by masturbation, let us know and we will provide a special nontoxic condom for collection by sexual intercourse. Commercial condoms cannot be used because they kill the sperm.
Do not use lubricants (saliva, soap, lotion, oil, etc.) to collect the specimen. These can kill the sperm.
We will give you two labels to fill out and attach to the container and the lid of the container. It is critical that this label be filled out completely. Please keep the jar closed tightly to prevent leakage. Let us know if any of the specimen was lost or spilled.

Masturbation is the most frequent method used to produce a sperm sample on the day of oocyte retrieval. Occasionally, intercourse using a special condom or electroejaculation are required for successful collection. Some men are unable to ejaculate or have no sperm in their semen. In these special cases, urologists can often obtain usable sperm from the testicle or the epididymis utilizing a minor surgical procedure.

Some physicians recommend that all men who are able to ejaculate and produce sperm preserve a semen sample by cryopreservation (freezing) several days prior to the day of egg retrieval. This frozen sample can be an important insurance policy if problems arise in the production or quality of the sample on the day of egg retrieval. These back-up sperm will be discarded if not needed on the day of retrieval unless otherwise specified.

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